Biography

She became the first woman to display (on purpose) her nipples on American network television during the May 4, 1973, broadcast of Bruce Jay Friedman's play Steambath (1973) shown on Hollywood Television Theater (PBS). The story offered an unusual portrayal of the afterlife with "God" presented as a Puerto Rican steam bath attendant. Bill Bixby played a man who refused to admit that he had died. Valerie was seen taking a shower from all sides. Only a few PBS stations were adventurous enough to carry the program.

Her fiance, a wealthy Los Angeles playboy and gun collector whom she met while a Las Vegas showgirl, accidentally shot himself to death after a gun discharged, ricocheted off a door and pierced his lung. They were to be married a month later. She never married despite numerous relationships.

Her father was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army, and she grew up in Japan, where her father was stationed. Her teen years were spent on a ranch in Arizona.

Had unsuccessful brain surgery to help control her Parkinson's Disease in 2017.

Former Las Vegas showgirl.